If you’re a fan of the refreshing zing of mint paired with rich, melty chocolate, you’re going to absolutely adore this Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. It’s one of those treats that feels both classic and fun — perfect for sharing during cozy afternoons or bringing a little festive spirit to any gathering. I love how the cocoa powder adds a subtle depth, balancing the peppermint extract beautifully, and those triple chocolates just elevate the cookie to the next level of indulgence.
When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how easy it was to whip up such decadent cookies at home. You’ll find that these cookies have that wonderful crinkly texture on the outside but stay soft and chewy inside — just how I like them! Plus, the signature drizzle of minty green white chocolate at the end makes them feel extra-special and super Instagram-worthy, if you’re into that kind of thing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Mint-Chocolate Balance: The peppermint extract and triple chocolate chips create a flavor duo that’s irresistible.
- Simple Yet Impressive: Easy to make but looks and tastes like you spent hours on them.
- Soft & Chewy Texture: Crispy edges with a tender center that will keep you coming back for more.
- Customizable Decoration: The green white chocolate drizzle adds a personal and festive touch you can tweak any way you like.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here works together to create cookies that are rich, minty, and wonderfully textured. When shopping, look for good-quality chocolate chips and fresh peppermint extract for the best results!
- Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature for easy creaming and a tender crumb.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor that complements the mint.
- Egg: Binds everything together and gives the cookies their soft texture.
- Cocoa Powder: Gives just the right hint of chocolate without overpowering the mint.
- Plain Flour: The base of the dough for structure.
- Bicarbonate of Soda: Helps the cookies spread and rise just enough.
- Baking Powder: Works alongside the soda to create a delicate texture.
- Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Peppermint Extract: The star that brings the minty freshness — don’t skimp here!
- Milk Chocolate Chips: Sweet and creamy, melting perfectly into the dough.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Adds richness and a slight bitterness for complexity.
- White Chocolate: Melted and mixed with green food coloring for the signature drizzle.
- Green Food Colouring: Just a few drops to make that mint drizzle pop (optional if you want natural colors).
Variations
I love tinkering with this Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe depending on the mood or season — it’s a versatile base that welcomes creativity, so don’t be shy about making it your own!
- Chocolate Types Swap: I sometimes swap dark chips for white chocolate chips to give it a sweeter tone, perfect if you’re less into dark chocolate.
- Extra Minty: If you want a stronger mint kick, add a touch more peppermint extract, but be careful—too much can overpower the cookies.
- Nutty Addition: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch that contrasts well with the soft cookie texture.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter and use a flax egg — I’ve done this with great results!
How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 190ºC (170º fan) and line two to three baking trays with parchment paper — this keeps the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly. Make sure your butter is soft but not melted; room temperature works best so it creams nicely with the sugar.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the unsalted butter and light brown sugar together until the mixture looks lighter in color and fluffier. This aerates the dough, which helps with that lovely cookie texture you’re aiming for.
Step 3: Add Egg, Dry Ingredients & Peppermint
Beat in the egg until fully combined. Then add the cocoa powder, plain flour, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder, sea salt, and peppermint extract. Mix everything until you get a thick, cohesive cookie dough. The peppermint will start to give a nice aroma here — if you’re anything like me, you’ll be tempted to sneak a sniff right now!
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the milk and dark chocolate chips so they’re evenly distributed without overmixing the dough. This step guarantees you’ll bite into melty pockets of chocolate in every cookie, which is the best part, right?
Step 5: Scoop and Bake the Cookies
Scoop the dough onto the lined trays, spacing about 5cm apart because these cookies will spread as they bake. I use a 5cm cookie scoop and fit around 6 per tray — this keeps them from sticking together. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes or until the cookies look crinkly on top and slightly set at the edges.
Step 6: Cool and Decorate with Minty White Chocolate
Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, melt the white chocolate gently over low heat and stir in a few drops of green food coloring. Once cool, drizzle this minty glaze over the cookies—and trust me, the look and extra flavor will wow anyone you share them with.
Pro Tips for Making Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Softened Butter Is Key: Be sure your butter is softened, not melted, for the perfect fluffy dough.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Baking for exactly 12 minutes gives you crisp edges and a chewy center—any longer and they dry out.
- Cool Completely Before Drizzling: Always cool your cookies on a wire rack before adding the white chocolate drizzle to avoid melting and smudging.
How to Serve Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep garnishing simple with just the green white chocolate drizzle because it adds a festive minty vibe and visual pop. Sometimes, I sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt or crushed peppermint candies on top for extra texture and a burst of cooling crunch.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a glass of cold milk, peppermint tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert experience. They also pair surprisingly well with coffee or hot chocolate if you want to elevate an afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to stack these cookies tied with a festive ribbon or place them in gift boxes lined with tissue paper for a thoughtful handmade gift. You can also set them on a cookie platter with fresh mint sprigs for a pretty, fragrant touch that impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layering parchment paper in between so they don’t stick. They stay fresh for up to 4 days this way, but honestly, they rarely last that long!
Freezing
If I want to prep ahead, I freeze the unbaked dough balls on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When I want fresh cookies, I bake them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
For leftover baked cookies, I like to warm them briefly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a low oven wrapped in foil to bring back that just-out-of-the-oven softness.
FAQs
-
Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?
Yes, but peppermint oil is much more concentrated than extract, so use it sparingly—start with a few drops diluted in a teaspoon of the dough liquid, and adjust to taste. Too much can make cookies taste medicinal.
-
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter isn’t melted and your baking trays are well-chilled before baking. Also, spacing the dough balls sufficiently apart will help maintain their shape and prevent merging.
-
Can I skip the white chocolate drizzle?
Absolutely! The white chocolate drizzle is optional and mostly for decoration. The cookies are delicious on their own, so feel free to leave it off or replace with a dusting of powdered sugar.
-
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing either dough or baked cookies.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe quickly became a favorite in my kitchen because it’s both a comforting classic and a little adventure with that distinctive minty twist. I love how it brings out smiles every time I bake it, and I bet you’ll feel the same once you experience that perfect combo of chocolate and mint in every bite. So go ahead—grab your mixing bowl, and treat yourself and those you love to these unforgettable cookies. You won’t regret it!
PrintMint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 15 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies that combine rich cocoa flavor with a refreshing peppermint twist. Loaded with milk and dark chocolate chips, and finished with a decorative drizzle of green-colored white chocolate, these cookies are perfect for festive occasions or any time you crave a sweet, minty treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 125 g unsalted butter
- 200 g light brown sugar
- 1 medium egg
- 25 g cocoa powder
- 175 g plain flour
- 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 125 g milk chocolate chips
- 125 g dark chocolate chips
Decoration
- 50 g white chocolate (melted)
- Green food colouring
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Trays: Preheat your oven to 190ºC (170ºC fan) and line two to three baking trays with parchment paper. Set aside while you prepare the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter and light brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and fully combined, creating a smooth base for your cookie dough.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Incorporate the egg, cocoa powder, plain flour, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder, sea salt, and peppermint extract into the creamed mixture. Beat this until a dense, thick cookie dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well blended.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the milk and dark chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the dough without overmixing.
- Portion Dough on Trays: Using a 5cm scoop, spoon the dough onto the prepared baking trays, spacing them adequately to prevent merging; typically six cookies per tray works well.
- Bake Cookies: Place the trays in the preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes. The cookies should spread out nicely and develop a crinkly top surface, signaling they are perfectly baked.
- Cool on Wire Rack: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. This step is essential for proper setting and texture.
- Prepare Decoration: Melt the white chocolate gently over low heat, then stir in green food colouring until the desired shade is achieved.
- Decorate Cookies: Drizzle the green-tinted white chocolate over the cooled cookies. Allow the drizzle to set fully before serving or storing.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is soft but not melted for easy creaming with sugar.
- Space cookies well on trays to avoid them merging during baking.
- The green drizzle gives a festive look but can be omitted for a simpler presentation.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
- For a stronger mint flavor, you can increase peppermint extract slightly, but be cautious to not overpower the chocolate taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2.5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg